Alpenglow Books opened last weekend at 720 Grand Ave. in Glenwood Springs, Colo. In a Facebook post after opening day, the new bookshop noted: "What a great first day!! We were blown away by the support yesterday--thanks to everyone who came out to the store. And an extra big hug and thank you to the wonderful friends who helped us get the space ready!"
Prior to the store's launch, owners Spencer Chu and Katie Hake told the Post Independent they came up with the name--which refers to the glow of the sun near the summits of mountains--while brainstorming because they wanted something to do with mountains.
Alpenglow Books is adjacent to the Grand Avenue bridge, alongside other businesses like Kedai Pho and Bluebird Cafe. Hake said, "We feel like Glenwood Springs needs more retail in general. We spend a lot of time downtown."
In addition a new and classic books, the store features board games, puzzles, and gifts. There are also looking to sell some writing sidelines. There is a table in the back of the shop where people can put together a puzzle. "Like one piece at a time while they're browsing," Hake said.
Books and writing, Chu said, have always been in Hake's wheelhouse. They thought about the idea of opening a bookstore for a few months in the spring before deciding to take the leap. Hake is a photographer and Chu is a software developer. Hake is also a small business owner with his brother, so he had some background for opening the store.
"We'll hire some more people eventually," Hake said. "It'll just be the two of us at first."
"We're excited to be here and we hope Glenwood is excited to have another bookstore," Chu added. "We're also very tired."